In a major bid to take on Apple's iTunes store in the UK, Tesco has announced that it hopes to offer television programmes and films through its Tesco Digital download service.

The supermarket is understood to be in talks with BBC Worldwide and ITV - who are already partnering on their own commercial video on demand system, Project Kangaroo - and FremantleMedia about offering downloads from their respective libraries in time for Christmas.

Tesco Digital already sells music starting at 79p per track.